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Russia plans 2031 launch for reusable rocket powered with LNG

Russia is targeting 2031 for the first launch of its reusable Amur-LNG rocket, with design work now completed and manufacturer Progress moving into the hardware production stage.

Mongolia rolls out plan to bolster fuel security amid crisis

Mongolia is combining emergency fuel imports with tax relief, expanded storage and a push to complete its first refinery by 2028 as it seeks to reduce its overwhelming dependence on Russian supplies.

South Africa's 420MW private wind cluster supporting mining operations targets year-end operation

A 420MW cluster of three private wind farms in South Africa that will supply mining operations is expected to enter commercial operation before the end of 2026 despite construction delays caused by unusually heavy rainfall.

UK extends licence to Lukoil to give more time for sale of international business

The UK has extended a licence allowing Lukoil International to keep operating until February 2027, buying more time for the sale of its $22bn overseas portfolio as a shorter US waiver approaches expiry.

Russia's Rosneft set to complete full takeover of mid-sized oil producer Bashneft

Russia’s Bashkortostan region plans to sell the remainder of its stake in oil producer Bashneft to controlling shareholder Rosneft, as the Russian region seeks to raise funds rather than borrow at high interest rates.

EU gas stocks sink below 2021 lows before the hardest winter in five years

Europe's gas tanks are emptier than at any point on record for the time of year, and the cargoes that should be filling them are sailing to Asia instead.

Qatar condemns Iranian attack on UAE oil tankers in Hormuz

Qatar has strongly condemned an Iranian attack on two UAE oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, the 16th on ADNOC vessels since the war began, demanding the waterway be reopened without conditions.

Zimbabwe power utility struggles to clear $430m debt

The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) is struggling to settle a $430mn debt owed to Hwange Electricity Supply Company (HESCO), the joint venture that operates Hwange Thermal Power Station's Units 7 and 8.

South Africa's top court blocks Shell's Wild Coast oil exploration

South Africa's Constitutional Court has blocked an offshore exploration programme linked to Shell along the country's Wild Coast, reinstating a High Court order that invalidated the underlying exploration right and its renewals.

Senegal signs Huawei deal for 100MW solar and battery projects

Senegal's state electricity company Senelec has signed an agreement with Chinese technology group Huawei to develop 100MW of solar capacity with battery storage as the West African country accelerates investment in renewable power.

Africa needs $30bn grid investment to keep pace with rising power demand

An estimated $30bn investment in grid infrastructure will be required to strengthen transmission systems, integrate new generation capacity and support a more interconnected African electricity market.

UCT study warns of heavy costs to South African economy from rapid Sasol Secunda shutdown

A rapid shutdown of South African energy and chemicals company Sasol's (JSE: SOL; NYSE: SSL) Secunda coal-to-liquids complex could carry substantial economic and energy-security costs, University of Cape Town researchers have warned.

South Africa's Ramokgopa says coal 'going nowhere' as cleaner technologies explored

South Africa will keep coal as a significant part of its electricity mix while exploring technologies to reduce its environmental impact, Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa said.

Abu Dhabi's XRG secures stake in Venezuela's Loran gas field

XRG, ADNOC's international energy investment company, announced that it has secured an interest in Venezuela's offshore Loran gas licence.

Iran stops pilot petrol pricing scheme in Kerman hours after launch

Iran has halted a pilot scheme to sell petrol above subsidised quotas at refinery prices in the southeastern province of Kerman, just hours after details of the plan were announced.

UAE company secures 25-year licence for Kazakhstan coal deposit

United Arab Emirates-based MQ Emirates Group has secured a 25-year licence to develop the Kenderlyk coal deposit in eastern Kazakhstan, with commercial production planned to begin in 2028.

Kazakhstan’s KazMunayGaz and Croatian partner advance Shygys exploration

Kazakhstan's state oil and gas company KazMunayGaz (KASE: KMGZ) and Croatian company Geoenergija Razvoj have established a joint venture to explore the 2,400-sq km Shygys block in the Central Asian country's western Aktobe Region.

Drought shuts down production in 90% of Czech hydro plants

Romania’s Cernavoda nuclear power plant shuts down second reactor

Romania’s nuclear power producer Nuclearelectrica (BVB: SNN) began the controlled shutdown of Unit 2 at the Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant on the morning of August 13.

Teesa Green Energy secures €78mn loan for 70-MW wind farm in Bulgaria

Bulgarian renewable energy developer Teesa Green Energy has secured a €78mn long-term loan from Postbank to finance the first phase of the €100mn Strazhitsa wind farm in northeastern Bulgaria.

China's CNNC launches $1.5bn nuclear procurement

China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) will initiate direct procurement for an engineering contract for a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) unit at its Xuwei nuclear power project in Jiangsu province.

Europe’s petrochemical collapse: plants close as investment heads for China

The situation was already severe in July 2025, as high production costs, ageing plants and a surge in global capacity led by China were forcing European producers to shut facilities or reconsider their presence on the continent.

XRG joins BP-led development of Venezuela’s Loran gas field

XRG, the investment arm of Abu Dhabi National Oil Co., is set to enter Venezuela’s offshore gas sector through the development of the Loran field, strengthening the United Arab Emirates’ presence in Latin America’s energy industry

Poland relaunches CPN fuel price scheme for August 17-31, cuts VAT to 8%

The Polish government has decided to reintroduce its fuel price support scheme for the period August 17-31, Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced on August 13, saying it should cut fuel prices by up to PLN1 (€0.23) per litre.

Aramco shifts petrochemical focus towards Asia

Aramco and its Sabic division have decided not to proceed with a planned petrochemical plant with capacity of 400,000 barrels per day at Ras al-Khair on Saudi Arabia’s Persian Gulf coast.